Everton have signed Barnsley’s England U19 defender John Stones on a five-and-a-half-year deal for a reported fee of £3m.
A deal was agreed between the two clubs on Thursday evening before Stones, 18, agreed personal terms and passed a medical.
Stones, who was also thought to be the subject of a bid from Wigan Athletic had been at Barnsley since he was six years old, admitted to mixed emotions over the move.
“There are a few nerves because it’s a new challenge for me. Every player wants to play in the Premier League and I’ve left an amazing club which is very close to my heart.”
“I’ve left some good people back there who I can’t thank enough but I’ve joined an amazing club.”
“I’m here at Everton now and I’m looking forward to every minute of it. It doesn’t feel real and it hasn’t sunk in yet but I feel very happy and very proud.”
“I’m a hard working player and I’ll give everything for the team, which every other player here does,” he said. “I like to get forward a lot but I’m a defender and that’s my job, defending.”
Stones made his Barnsley debut in December 2011 while still an Apprentice at the club. He went on to make 28 appearances in total scoring one goal.
His England U19 debut came in a 3-1 defeat by Germany in September.
